Peripheral artery disease narrows the arteries in your legs, reducing blood flow.[1] Most people do not know they have it until it causes serious complications. This painless scan detects it early — when it is most manageable.
The Study
An arterial ultrasound is a painless scan of the arteries in your legs that checks for blockages reducing blood flow, a condition called peripheral artery disease (PAD). The scan uses sound waves with no radiation or needles, takes 30 to 60 minutes, and results are reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist and delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
Poor circulation in the legs gets written off as aging or arthritis. These are the patterns that point at the arteries instead.
It is also worth doing with diabetes, a smoking history, or a wound on the foot or leg that is slow to heal. Reduced blood flow is usually the reason a wound stalls.
Not sure this is the right study for you? Compare all six side by side, or take the two-minute health score — it asks about your history and points you to the study that fits.
What to Expect
Many people have never had this scan before. Here is exactly what happens — no surprises, no anxiety.
No radiation. No needles. No discomfort. An ultrasound uses sound waves — the same technology used in obstetric imaging. It is entirely safe and non-invasive.
Both legs are examined from the groin to the foot. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting pants.
The sonographer traces each major artery in your leg, measuring blood flow velocity and identifying areas of narrowing.
Any narrowing or blockage is measured precisely, and its hemodynamic significance is assessed.
The type and extent of arterial plaque is documented — hard calcified plaque behaves differently from soft plaque.
A detailed report documents findings at each arterial segment, disease severity, and clinical recommendations.
What We're Looking For
These conditions often develop without symptoms for years. Early detection changes the outcome dramatically.
Why BlackPoint
Quality cardiovascular imaging shouldn't require a hospital visit, a referral, or a weeks-long wait. Our sonographer performs cardiovascular imaging daily alongside physicians — clinical-grade diagnostics delivered with genuine convenience.
“Manny was professional and informative. The appointment felt clean, quiet and calming. I was able to get scheduled quickly and received my results the very next day.”
— Jennifer S.“He was very professional, kind, and took the time to explain everything he was doing during the procedure, which really helped put me at ease. I received my results within 48 hours, which was impressive. Excellent experience overall.”
— Meagan B.“Manny was respectful and knowledgeable. I was brought in on time and was kept informed of what he was doing along with detailed explanations. The room was clean, quiet, and private. I received my results within 48 hours with a follow up email from Manny. Highly recommend.”
— Wanda K.Verified Google reviews from patients across Midcoast Maine. Read all reviews →
Common Questions
This specific pattern — pain or cramping that comes on with walking and disappears with rest — is called claudication, and it is the hallmark symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD). It occurs when narrowed arteries cannot deliver enough blood to working muscles. A peripheral arterial ultrasound measures blood flow and pressure in the legs to determine whether PAD is the cause.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of peripheral artery disease.[3] Reduced circulation can cause numbness, tingling, or cold feet — and in more advanced cases, non-healing wounds. A peripheral arterial duplex ultrasound evaluates blood flow from the hip to the ankle and identifies areas of blockage before they progress to limb-threatening ischemia.
Yes. A non-healing wound on the foot or lower leg is a serious warning sign of critical limb ischemia — severely reduced blood flow. Adequate circulation is required for tissue repair. If a wound is not healing despite treatment, a peripheral arterial study should be performed urgently to assess blood supply.
Yes. BlackPoint Diagnostics does not require a physician referral. Book directly at our online booking page — evenings after 7pm and weekends. Results reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist and delivered within 24—48 hours.
$397 flat — no facility fees, no hidden costs. We come to your home, workplace, or preferred location in Southern Maine.
Book Your Scan
$397 all-inclusive. No referral, no insurance, no facility fees. We come to you across Southern Maine.
Further Reading & References
Leg Pain While Walking — Could It Be a Circulation Problem? · Claudication — When Leg Pain While Walking Is a Warning Sign · mobile — performed at your home, workplace, or care facility · Download our free heart health guide